Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Read more
Arsenal play host to Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final this evening with both teams hoping to secure the advantage ahead of next month’s second leg.
Mikel Arteta’s men had seemingly rediscovered their form in front of goal with Gabriel Jesus having scored six goals in four matches ahead of the Gunners trip to Brighton last weekend. An uncharacteristically toothless display from Arsenal meant they drew 1-1 with Ethan Nwaneri’s individual brilliance the only bright spark in the final third.
Despite those struggles Arsenal are unbeaten in 13 matches across all competitions and will want to take one step closer to winning some much needed silverware under Arteta.
In comparison, Newcastle have been in exceptional form with six wins in a row led firmly by the attacking precision of Alexander Isak. The Magpies last won a major trophy in 1955 and a win for Eddie Howe’s men would put them close to their second League Cup final in three seasons.
Follow all the action from the Emirates Stadium with our live blog below:
Arsenal vs Newcastle LIVE
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
18 mins: You can’t help but feel as though Newcastle’s gameplan could backfire on them if Arsenal score first. Their commitment to fling men forward means there is plenty of space for Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to run into.
Sandro Tonali is just now realising that he’s in for a lot of work tonight sprinting back and forth in search of the ball.
Mike Jones7 January 2025 20:17
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
16 mins: Isak darts across the pitch and collects a pass that comes down the right wing. He cuts the ball back into the box but Anthony Gordon overruns the pass.
Behind him, Lewis Hall collects the ball and slips it across to Sandro Tonali who fizzes a shot from range over the top.
Mike Jones7 January 2025 20:16
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
15 mins: Newcastle aren’t shy about getting men forward when they have the ball. It’s an attacking mindset that Eddie Howe has instilled in his players and it’s making Arsenal a little uncomfortable in this opening stages.
It’s been a good start to this match but teams visibly want to win.
Mike Jones7 January 2025 20:14
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
13 mins: Gabriel Martinelli dances into the box from the left and runs at Sven Botman. He manages to get a pass into the middle but Dan Burn is there to turn the ball behind for a corner.
Declan Rice delivers again and picks out Jurrien Timber for a second time. Timber mistimes his jump and gets to the ball as he falls back to earth meaning his headed effort is sent over the top of the crossbar.
Mike Jones7 January 2025 20:13
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
An Arsenal free kick is lofted into the box and Newcastle do okay to clear it. It comes to the edge of the box where Gabriel Martinelli brings the ball under control before drilling a shot at goal.
His effort is deflected to William Saliba who tries the same thing. His shot gets through but a lunging Dan Burn stops Kai Havertz from turning it home.
Martin Dubravka smothers the ball and the attack dies down.
Mike Jones7 January 2025 20:11
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
9 mins: Arsenal are set up with Leandro Trossard on the right wing of the forward line. He doesn’t usually play here but in Bukayo Saka’s absence Mikel Arteta must feel as though Gabriel Martinelli is the more effective of the two on the left wing.
Mike Jones7 January 2025 20:09
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
6 mins: Arsenal win their first set piece of the game. The Gunners have been incredible at scoring from set plays this season and this corner is sent into the box buy Declan Ric3e.
He picks out Jurrien Timber but the defender’s header is directed wide of the target.
Mike Jones7 January 2025 20:06
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
Arsenal’s centre-backs are asleep as a ball is played over the top for Alexander Isak. The striker makes a run in behind and keeps himself onside before touching the ball into the box.
He pulls it back to Joelinton who attempts a first time shot on a bobbling pass. He doesn’t connect properly and lifts the effort over the crossbar.
Mike Jones7 January 2025 20:05
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
3 mins: Arsenal look to control possession but a poor pass into midfield is intercepted. Newcastle send the ball to Alexander Isak who spins and releases it to Jacob Murphy arriving in the box from the right.
Murphy shoots but his effort is blocked and the Gunners clear their lines.
Mike Jones7 January 2025 20:03
Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
Newcastle get the ball rolling at the Emirates Stadium and work it over to the left wing. Joelinton is fed down the line and comes up against Jurrien Timber who manages to win a throw in for Arsenal.
Mike Jones7 January 2025 20:01
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2)/ebraheem-al-samadi-wife-hamda-al-hamly-split-tout-010725-685008e16e4b438fbcdc0e5019e855f8.jpg?w=120&resize=120,86&ssl=1 "Who Is Ebraheem Al Samadi’s Wife Hamdah? Everything the ‘Dubai Bling’ Star Has Said About Her (and Why She Won’t Appear in the Netflix Show)")
